Banker shot dead in Sandton

CEO of Basis Points Capital (BPS) Vusi Mhlanzi was shot dead in what was described as a “hit”, but police say the motive is not yet known, reports EWN.

Police confirmed that they are investigating a case of murder, after the 41-year-old was shot on Thursday evening in Sandton. EWN reports the incident occurred just after 6.30pm on the corner of Grayston and Katherine Streets.

Mhlanzi was reportedly driving his convertible Mercedes-Benz from his Sandton office to his home in Sandown when two unknown gunmen in a silver Audi pulled up next to him.

One of the men opened fire, firing seven shots. Six bullets hit Mhlanzi.

His vehicle crashed into traffic lights and caught fire after he hit the accelerator. It has been reported that attempts were made to resuscitate him, but he died on the scene and the gunmen drove off towards Alexandra.

Mhlazi leaves behind a seven-year-old son and five-year-old twins. According to EWN, he had received death threats recently and his killing appears to have been a hit.

According to the BPS website, Mhlazi is the company’s director and executive officer. Prior to co-founding the company, he worked as the Head of Debt Origination in Investec Bank’s Specialised Finance division.

His responsibilities included managing a team that structures and places debt capital markets instruments for corporates, state-owned entities, municipalities and National Treasury.

He was also responsible for the management of the Bank’s Asset-backed Commercial Programme.

He also worked for Andisa Capital as a Director and Head of Debt Capital Markets, Rand Merchant Bank as part of the Treasury’s Debt Origination team and the Royal Bank of Canada as an assistant in Global Markets.

Gauteng provincial police spokesperson Kay Makhubele told the media that the victim was shot in the upper body and that they are investigating a case of murder.